(CLIA) Highlights Annual Advances Towards Net Zero Emissions
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a prominent voice in the global cruise industry, has unveiled its annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report. This report demonstrates the cruise sector’s ongoing commitment to advancing its environmental and sustainability goals, with notable investments in ships and technologies designed to support the adoption of transitional and alternative fuels.
Cruise lines are committed to lowering emissions both at sea and in port as part of their ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA. This year’s report reflects the industry’s progress, highlighting our investments in engine technologies that will allow ships to use renewable energy sources as they become available. It also showcases incremental advancements in a variety of environmental technologies and practices that contribute to our broader sustainability efforts.
Fleet Profile and Growth
The report details the current composition of the CLIA-member ocean fleet, which includes 303 ships with a total capacity of 635,000 lower berths, operated by 45 cruise line brands. This represents a 3.6% increase in the number of ships and a 3.34% increase in capacity compared to the previous year. The fleet is categorised as follows:
- 35% are small ships (fewer than 1,000 lower berths)
- 38% are mid-size ships (1,000 to fewer than 3,000 lower berths)
- 26% are large ships (3,000 or more lower berths)
Fuel Flexibility and LNG Utilisation
CLIA members are investing in new ships and engines with fuel flexibility. This includes the ability to use renewable biodiesel, green methanol, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Currently, 19 ships, representing 7% of the fleet and 13% of global capacity, use LNG for primary propulsion. LNG is notable for its virtually zero sulfur and particulate emissions, an 85% reduction in NOx emissions, and up to a 20% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Efforts to address methane slip, a known issue with LNG engines, are ongoing, with some stakeholders aiming for less than 1% slip within a few years.
Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology (SCR)
The report indicates that 71 ships, which make up 25% of the fleet and more than 20% of global capacity, are equipped with SCR systems. This represents a 34% increase from 2023. SCR technology reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions, helping ships meet IMO Tier III standards for NOx emissions.
Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Capabilities
According to the report, 147 ships (52% of the fleet and 61% of capacity) are equipped to connect to OPS. This marks a 23% increase from the previous year and a 167% increase since 2018. By 2028, 239 ships are expected to be equipped for OPS, including retrofitted and new vessels. CLIA supports the advancement of shoreside electricity infrastructure and has committed that all ships calling at ports with OPS capabilities will be equipped to use shore power or alternative low-carbon technologies by 2035.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)
The majority of CLIA-member ships utilise AWTS, exceeding MARPOL Annex IV requirements and performing better than some shoreside treatment facilities. Currently, 225 ships (80% of the fleet, representing 84% of global passenger capacity) are equipped with AWTS, marking an 11% increase from 2023.
Freshwater Production
Most CLIA members produce fresh water onboard. A total of 267 ships, representing more than 94% of reporting ships and 96% of global capacity, are equipped with this capability, with 172 ships capable of producing sufficient water to meet their total consumption.
